The Packers are set to depend on Malik Willis within the event Jordan Love misses time over the approaching weeks. That continues to be a definite possibility within the latter’s case, but he won’t be placed on injured reserve.
Love is coping with an MCL sprain, and he’s facing a recovery timeline of three to 6 weeks. Placing him on IR would guarantee an absence of no less than 4 weeks, but head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday that route won’t be taken. Love is due to this fact a candidate to return on the short end of that timeframe, and for that reason Green Bay will not be concerned with adding a signal-caller.
“No. Despite reports,” LaFleur said of the Packers having interest in a free agent quarterback (via Ryan Woods of the Green Bay Press-Gazette). “It’s crazy to me how people provide you with a few of these items. I feel you explore every possibility, but at no cut-off date did we ever have any discussions with anybody.”
A report from Sunday stated the Packers reached out to Ryan Tannehill, probably the most experienced quarterback currently available on the market. It was unclear on the time if Green Bay represented a destination Tannehill was concerned with as he weighs his options, but LaFleur’s comments confirm no contract talks took place anyway. With Love set to only miss a transient period, the team will depend on Willis and Sean Clifford under center.
Green Bay had Clifford and seventh-round rookie Michael Pratt in place through the summer as they competed for the backup gig. Neither passer impressed, they usually were each waived during roster cutdowns. Clifford cleared waivers and was retained on the practice squad whereas Pratt departed and joined the Buccaneers’ taxi squad.
Willis was acquired via trade shortly before the roster cut deadline, giving him a brief window of time to learn the Packers’ offense. The previous Titans draftee didn’t anticipate being dealt despite the actual fact free agent signing Mason Rudolph outperformed him during training camp and the preseason. Willis, 25, made three starts as a rookie but he made only three appearances last season as Tennessee transitioned from Tannehill to Will Levis. The Packers will offer him a brand new opportunity on a short-term basis until Love is back to full health.
